Journal file photo by Clay Schuldt Sleepy Eye’s Fourth of July in Allison Park features burgers, hot dogs, beverages and more by the Knights of Columbus. Fireworks over Sleepy Eye Lake begin at about 9:30 p.m. The 2021 fireworks display over Sleepy Eye Lake is pictured above.

NEW ULM — Minnesota’s longest-running consecutive Independence Day celebration in Cambria reaches the 155-year mark Friday, July 3.

The event continues much as it has in the past, according to Cambria Historic Preservation Society board member Sarah McGuire. One exception is that this year, the Cambria Philharmonic Orchestra history will be celebrated at the Cambria Town Hall Patriotic Program that begins at 2 p.m. July 4.

Festivities begin with fireworks about 10 p.m. behind the Cambria Town Hall. Spectators are invited to gather their family and friends, bring lawn chairs their patriotic spirit.

Saturday events start at 11:45 a.m. with children’s games at Cambria Park. The public is invited to bring a dish to share for the community potluck picnic at noon.

The parade including several laps through town begins at 1 p.m. Spectators are asked to avoid latex water balloons in favor of water sprayers and other creative ways to stay cool.

A patriotic program starts at 2 p.m. at Cambria Town Hall celebrating the history of the Cambria Philharmonic Orchestra, readings and music including a community-sing-along.

McGuire said the Cambria Philharmonic Orchestra began in April 1890 when instruments were acquired for 10 orchestra members. The group debuted at the 1890 Cambria Fourth of July celebration and performed later that year in New Ulm and a number of other area locations. McGuire said the orchestra grew to 14 members in 1895.

She said the non-profit Cambria Historic Preservation Society board was created several years ago as a way to sustain the July Fourth celebration in Cambria.

A fancy cake auction follows prior to live music in the park with Ben Scruggs and DD & and Rosco.

Scruggs plays American folk, blues and Americana music with acoustic guitar and blues harmonica, with stories of regional humor and hard-luck times.

DD & Roscoe, Danielle and Ross Deopere do acoustic folk, Americana, country-blues, original roots music and storytelling.

New Ulm

The Turner Park Fourth of July in New Ulm features live music from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with Adam & the Jammers, the Wendinger Band, Concord Singers and Three Hour Download.

Food and drink proceeds including beer, 1919 Root Beer, brats, burgers and ice cream to benefit Turner Hall continues to 6 p.m. A beer garden will operate later in the night.

Schell’s Biergarten will feature Ocho & Friends from 5 to 7 p.m.

Shirley’s Park, Clear Lake

Americana, country, folk and bluegrass artist Becky Schlegel plus Heath Loy and the Hep Cats will perform 5-8 p.m., Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 at Shirley’s Park and Country Retreat, 17434 Lakeside Ave., five miles southwest of New Ulm.

Gibbon

A 250th birthday party for America begins at 6 p.m. Friday, July 3 at Gibbon City Park with food served by the Immanuel Lutheran Pioneers. A Gibbon Community Band concert starts at 7 p.m.

Other events include children’s crafts, a kickball game, patriotic children’s march, pulled pork sandwiches, root beer floats and pies.

Sleepy Eye

Sleepy Eye’s Fourth of July in Allison Park features burgers, hot dogs, beverages and more by the Knights of Columbus. Fireworks over Sleepy Eye Lake begin at about 9:30 p.m.

Morton

Morton’s July Fourth celebration features the Firecracker Run at 8:30 a.m. A hot dog feed with freewill donation is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Other events behind the church include veteran speakers from noon to 12:45 p.m., music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. by Vietnam Veteran Billy Underwood of Bird Island.

The Morton Fire Department pork chop feed takes place 4 to 7 p.m. A patriotic sing along in St. John’s church on the museum grounds begins at 7 p.m. David Munsell of Franklin will play the organ.

Fireworks begin at dusk.

Hanska

Hanska will not have July Fourth fireworks but will have a fireworks display Saturday, Aug. 22 during the 125th anniversary celebration.